Condensate Pump Mounting Frame Press-Fit Sealing in Tumble Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of the condensate feed pump in tumble dryers is complicated and unreliable due to the use of polyurethane beads for sealing, which can lead to inconsistent fits and increased assembly effort.
Innovation Solution
A mounting frame with a circumferential edge extension that provides a press fit and airtight sealing without additional elastomer seals, featuring a resilient edge extension made from a one-piece injection-molded plastic part with a triangular cross-section to compensate for dimensional tolerances, and a locking device to secure the pump during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyurethane beads are used for sealing the mounting frame, then sealing is achieved, but assembly effort increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the polyurethane bead sealing element from the assembly, replacing it with a mechanical press-fit sealing system. The mounting frame's edge extension with oversize end area creates a press-fit connection that seals the opening without requiring additional elastomer materials, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge extension of the mounting frame acts as an intermediary element between the mounting frame and the opening. Its oversize end area creates a press-fit connection that serves dual purposes: mechanical attachment and sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing components.
2Ease of operation
If a press fit connection is used without additional elastomer seals, then assembly is simplified, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the mounting frame's edge extension by providing an oversize end area compared to the opening. This dimensional difference creates the press-fit effect that generates sufficient contact pressure for sealing, achieving reliable sealing through geometric parameters rather than elastomeric materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mounting frame is made from plastic with thin-walled edge extension, then manufacturing is simplified, but dimensional stability under vibration may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the opening and mounting frame should be round or elliptical rather than having straight edges. This curved geometry prevents the edge approach from tilting inwards and ensures uniform distribution of forces, enhancing dimensional stability under vibration conditions while maintaining the simplicity of injection molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to engage with the mounting frame before vibration occurs, preliminarily securing the pump in position. This preventive measure ensures that even thin-walled plastic construction maintains dimensional stability during operation by preventing any potential movement before vibrations can cause misalignment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the installation process while ensuring a reliable, airtight seal of the pump, even under vibration, by utilizing a resilient edge extension and a locking mechanism, enhancing the overall assembly efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the edge extension is designed to be resilient due to its material thickness
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a tumble dryer with a base module (1) which contains a condensation device (2) and a pump (3) for conveying the condensate that occurs, the pump (3) being carried by an installation frame (10) which is sealed in a Opening (5) is inserted in the floor module (1). In order to simplify the assembly of the condensate pump and still ensure a tight fit of the pump, it is proposed that the installation frame (10) has a circumferential edge extension (13) which rises out of its plane and which is oversized in its end area compared to the opening ( 5) has.